Grand Valley State University’s Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies continues its ongoing American Conversations Series with an event that will discuss whether or not reaching common ground in a highly politicized world was common in the past — and if it will be in the future.

“Is Common Ground Possible?” will be hosted by Gleaves Whitney, director of the Hauenstein Center, at the Loosemore Auditorium on Grand Valley’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus at 7 p.m. on September 9.

Whitney, a presidential history and political expert, will offer a lively presentation that examines the historic reality of finding common ground in America’s past, and seek audience insight into the possibilities of rediscovering common solutions in the future.

“Citizens are cynical, and Congress is almost constantly at a standstill,” Whitney said. “The general feeling is that common ground is getting more and more difficult to find. I hope this discussion will provide some hope that mutually acceptable solutions exist to the tough problems our nation faces.”

Monday’s event is the second event of the year for the Hauenstein Center’s American Conversations series. All of this year’s American Conversations events will begin at 7 p.m. and will focus on the theme of “common ground.”

Previous ‘American Conversations’ events include academic debates such as “Why Progressive? Why Conservative? The Debate” and evenings with some of America’s most influential figures, including the “America’s First Ladies” event and “A History of Diplomacy with Madeleine Albright” among others.

For more information, contact the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at (616) 331-2770 or hauensteincenter.org.